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Every now and then, we see a drama that touches the heart, stirs emotions, and gives us a chance to introspect. Kabli Pulao is one such masterpiece. With only six episodes out so far, the drama has already drawn us in with its compelling storytelling, acting and impeccable direction. Bonus points for the camera work!

Kabli Pulao revolves around an Afghan refugee widow Barbeena (portrayed by Sabeena Farooq) who marries a middle-aged man named Haji Mushtaq, known as Haji saheb (played by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin). Haji saheb brings her back to his family home, introducing her, not as his wife, but as the househelp. Soon, family members begin suspecting that there is more to the story.

Without giving away too much of the plot, we can safely say — despite having only a handful of episodes so far, the drama has managed to offer profound insights into the human experience, painting a picture of resilience, cultural fusion, and evolving relationships.

Here are some life lessons we have learned from Kabli Pulao so far:

Every cloud has a silver lining

Barbeena is a resilient woman whose life is far from being easy. After losing the love of her life, Baraan, she is widowed and forced to take refuge in Mardan, Pakistan with her two brothers. She marries Haji saheb and lives her newlywed life as a housemaid, forced to hide her relationship and pretend for the sake of her husband. Despite falling victim to a number of passive-aggressive attacks, she is gentle in all her interactions. Barbeena’s character is a glaring reminder that no matter how tough life gets, we as humans are resilient. We persevere, even in the toughest times.

There is beauty in accepting each other

At the heart of the story is the marriage between Barbeena and Haji saheb, highlighting the depth of our inherent biases and preconceived notions about those from dissimilar social or cultural backgrounds. Through Barbeena’s eyes, we experience the emotional turmoil that arises from baseless accusations and branding her a spy due to her Afghan heritage, while the systemic biases further compound her struggles. As the story unfolds, we witness a transformation.

We share in Barbeena’s excitement as she shares cultures with Haji saheb and his family through cuisine, language, attire, and dance at various instances throughout the drama.

The story is a testament to the fact that authentic beauty blossoms when we embrace each other without imposing change. There is beauty in acceptance. The narrative showcases the significance of celebrating differences and the importance of mutual understanding.

Relationships require nurturing

Kabli Pulao also masterfully portrays the evolution of relationships. It shows us that the initial awkwardness and discomforts of new relationships have the potential to give way to genuine connections. Soon, the characters begin to see beyond the surface, reminding us that relationships are an intricately woven fabric that take time, effort and understanding on both sides.

Emotional support is true companionship

The marriage between Barbeena and Haji saheb at the centre of Kabli Pulao challenges the conventional notions of love and companionship. The drama asks us to reevaluate preconceived notions about age, culture, and societal expectations and serves as a reminder that genuine respect and love knows no boundaries and true companionship is found in shared experiences, mutual respect, and emotional support.

Do not judge a book by its cover

Perhaps the most important lesson one can learn from this drama is that appearances can be deceiving. Each individual, and family, is fighting their own battle. It is easy to be presumptuous. We see the internal struggles of Barbeena, Haji saheb, and characters like Shamim, Chammo, Abdullah, and others. We also see the internal struggles of an average family craving social acceptance under the guise of respect. We learn that there is immense value in kindness.

Kabli Pulao is not simply a drama — it is a true social commentary. It holds up a mirror and asks us to reflect on who we are collectively, as individuals and as a society.

The drama is being aired on Green Entertainment, every Tuesday at 8pm and we can’t wait to see what comes next!